Steps to fixing a tub, sink, or toilet overflow

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East outlines the steps to fix an overflowing tub, sink, or toilet. 

It can be very frustrating to watch as your sink, tub, or toilet steadily fills to the brim and not know what to do about it. 

Clogs cause most tub and sink overflows in the main plumbing drain pipe, so the water has nowhere to go and has to flow back up. Similarly, toilet overflows are often caused by a clog or a malfunction in the tank float system, which controls water flow.

Knowing what to do when you have an overflow from either of these amenities can help prevent water damage and safeguard your property. With this in mind, SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East, a leading water damage restoration company in South Side Corpus Christi, TX, has outlined the steps to fix a sink, tub, or toilet overflow. 

Fixing a tub overflow

Your bathtub endures about the same amount of abuse from water, soap, hair products, and other solids making their way to the sewage system. 

So the bathtub drain has the potential to clog and overflow, just like every other drainage system, which can lead to an interior flood that could result in property damage.

• The first thing you should do is to stop the flow by turning off the faucet.
• Next, you must clear the water to access the overflow drain.

Here’s how you can clear the drain:

Plunge the Tub: Get a plunger and use it on the tub to clear out any debris in the drain. The plunger's full force will be focused on the obstruction as you keep pumping it. The tub may start to drain slowly, or you might notice bubbles emerging from the drain. These are signs that the plunger is working correctly. Keep plunging until the drain is clear.

Fixing a sink overflow

• Insert a brush or pipe cleaner into the overflow hole first and push the brush in and out to eliminate as much accumulation in the hole as possible.
• Next, make a funnel out of heat-resistant silicone material and insert it into your overflow hole.
• Finally, fill the funnel with a moderate stream of boiling water. This will remove any leftover accumulation in your drain by loosening it.

How to fix a toilet overflow

• Gather your equipment and supplies. You’ll need an O-ring, an auger, and a plunger.
• Remove the tank lid from the toilet and depress the flapper to prevent additional water from entering the bowl. 
• Next, shut off the water supply at the bottom and behind the toilet.
• Use the auger and plunger to generate enough suction to evacuate any debris in the toilet bowl that might still be causing a problem.
• Water still flowing? It is preferable to call a licensed plumber at this point. They'll probably use an industrial auger to clear the blockage, and the toilet may also need to be taken apart and reassembled. 

What next? Get professional water damage restoration

An overflowing tub, sink, or toilet may likely result in water damage, especially if you don’t notice it on time. What you do as regards the water damage will determine whether it will just be one of those silly incidents or one that leads to massive losses.

If any part of your home, like the ceiling and belongings like a rug or furniture, is impacted by the water, then it’s essential to have it cleaned to get rid of the moisture and prevent mold formation.

This is where water damage professionals like SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East can help.

About SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East is the leading name in water damage restoration in South Side Corpus Christi, TX. They have a team of technicians trained and equipped to handle any water damage situation. They can help whether the overflow flooded your home or affected only a few properties. They will clear your home of all moisture and restore your properties to their previous state.

Call SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East at (361) 985-6444 to learn more.